Savannah Fire hopefuls challenged in physical test | savannahnow.com

It may only last 10 minutes, but the eight-station physical fitness circuit is designed to push would-be firefighters to their physical breaking point.

Those who have the strength and stamina to perform the responsibilities naturally built into fire fighting will pass Savannah Fire & Emergency Services’ Candidate Physical Ability Test, or CPAT.

It includes climbing 180 simulated stairs, swinging a massive sledgehammer, carrying a pair of chain saws, setting up ladders, pulling a firehose, carrying a dummy, crawling through a pitch-black obstacle course and pushing and pulling weighted objects.

“It’s tough; it’s designed that way,” said Savannah Fire Capt. Dietrich Chapple. “It can be brutal, but it’s important because it measures the very abilities a firefighter would use on an actual scene.”

via Savannah Fire hopefuls challenged in physical test | savannahnow.com.